Billiard play tally system



June l3, 1969 E, MARGOUS 3,448,459

BILLIARD PLAY TALLY SYSTEM Filed Feb. 2, l1967 Sheet of 2 l m lo J 1 DZ.1 a E f5 .IE O (D. ln o@ 1- J L| v r 8 M 0 o *o Qfffv m o fr si I C Do/m^ l un.. U) D JO LL O A of 25g O LO Q al mvEN'roR. l' EDWARD MARGOLISl.' BY

a 7 d E ATTORNEYS June 3, 1969 E. MARGOLIS BILLIARD PLAY TALLY SYSTEMFiled Feb.

INVENTOR. EDWARD MARGOLIS mmwa ATTORNEYSl @5553 rx V255?? l 1 UnitedStates Patent O U.S. Cl. 346-33 5 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE Asystem records the amount of hire of game equipment by tallying andtotalizing the on-time of electrical fixtures required to be associatedwith the equipment.

Background of the invention The present system has wide application inconnection With businesses such as billiard and bridge parlors, bowlingalleys, slot car parlors, indoor squash and tennis courts and the likeestablishments. These businesses have in common the fact that they mustsimultaneously keep track of the amount of play by patrons at manydifferent play areas or pieces of play equipment. Consequently, theyshare many of the same problems.

More specifically, the operators of such establishments often encounterconsiderable diiculty determining the elapsed play time or rental periodof each patron at each of the many game areas and computing the properfee due from him. Also, in the confusion caused by the constant comingsand goings of the players, the operator may not notice a change ofplayers at a given area or see that some people have left without payingany fee at all. Consequently, the money taken in by the establishment isfrequently less than it should be.

Another serious problem stems from the fact that the operators are veryoften not also the owners. Some employee operators have a tendency toreport to the owner a shorter rental period at the various game areasthan has actually occurred and to pocket the difference in the moneyreceived.

There have been a myriad of devices made for registering the time ofhire of a piece of game equipment. Typically, these registers employ atimer or clock which is started by the player performing some operationrequired to start the game. For example, in the case of billiards (whichshould hereinafter be understood to include games such as pocket pool),the player may have to remove the billiard balls frocm a container,thereby tripping a lever which starts the clock. The clock stops whenthe patron replaces the balls in the container. The operator can thencompute the play time at that table by subtracting the start and stoptimes as indicated by the clock.

These prior existing systems still do not completely solve the problemsset forth above. In order to note down the start and stop timesindicated by the clocks at the various tables and to see which areas arebeing used at any given time, the operator must continually patrol thefloor of the establishment. If the business is a large one, thispractice becomes impractical. Also, the player or players at a givenarea may simply leave the establishment without shutting off the clockby replacing the billiard balls, and also without paying the operator.Then, if another patron starts playing at the same table unbeknownst tothe operator, a dispute may arise later as to whether he is chargeablefor the total elapsed play time as indicated by the clock at that table.

In practical terms a major drawback of such prior systems is that eachtable or game area has its own completely separate register. Not only isthis expensive, but

3,448,459 Patented June 3, 1969 icc also the operator has no overallpicture of the equipment being used at any given time.

Finally, the prior registers do not curb the dishonest activities of theoperators, vis-a-vis their employers. The operators can still recordreduced play time or omit to record any time at all for a given tableand then pocket part or all the money received from the patron forplaying at that table.

Summary of invention Accordingly, this invention aims to provide animproved game play tally system for recording the amount of hire of gameequipment. Another object of the invention is to provide a game tallysystem for minimizing employee theft in game establishments. A furtherobject of the invention is to provide a game play tally system whichappraises the operator of a game establishment of which pieces ofequipment are being used at any given time. A further object of theinvention is to provide a billiard play tally system which provides apermanent record of and totalizes the rental periods of all the billiardtables in a billiard parlor.

Briefly, the system records the amount of hire of game equipment bytotalizing the on-time of electrical fixtures required to be associatedwith the equipment. While the same principles and techniques disclosedherein are applicable to many different types of games, such as thoserecited above, for purposes of illustration we will describe theinvention with particular reference to tallying the amount of play in albilliard parlor.

In the case of billiards, adequate table illumination is necessary forproper p-lay of the game. Therefore, the illustrated system controls theoperation of overhead lights associated with each billiard table. Thesystem includes an operators control panel with separate light switchescontrolling each set of lights. It incorporates also a time stamp tomark time cards. The operation of the stamp is tied to that of thelights, so that the lights cannot be turned on or turned off withoutrecording the fact on a card.

Before play can begin at a given table, the operator must turn on thelights over that table. In order to do this, he must actuate theappropriate on switch on the control panel and simultaneously insert anumbered card into the time stamp. The coincidence of these twooperations turns on the lights; it also causes the time stamp toautomatically print the starting time on the card. The operator thenstores the card until the patron requests that his table rental beended. At this time, the operator again places the patrons card in thetime stamp and simultaneously actuates the off switch in the panelcontrolling the lights over that partys table. Again, this causes thetime stamp to print the ending time on the card and simultaneously shutsoff the lights, preventing further play at that tabl Thus, each completetransaction produces a numbered card bearing the beginning and endingtimes of that particular rental period. The operator then uses thesetimes to compute the proper fee due from the patron. The cards alsoprovide a permanent record by which the owner of the establishment cantell if he is receiving all the money due him. He simply checks thetotal receipts against the total play time recorded on the numberedcards used up during that day.

The operators control panel also has pilot lights associated with thevarious table lights. Thus, he can tell at a glance which tables arebeing used at any given time by observing which pilot lights are lit.Also, the system periodically senses which tables are illuminated andincludes a totalizer whose count is increased by the number ofilluminated tables per unit time. The increase in the totalizer countduring a given period represents the total number of minutes that allthe various tables were illu-Y minated during that period. This increaseshould be proportional to the receipts from that interval.

Brief description of the drawings system.

v Description of the preferred embodiment The present system keeps asimultaneous tally of the rental time at each of several games areas,illustrated here by billiard tables v1-6 having active playing surfacesmounted `on pedestals above a floor and isolated from normal foottraffic. These tables have corresponding numbered overhead lights L1 toL6. Each of tables 1-6 Imust be separately lighted in order for a playerto be able to use it.

The operator in charge of the billiard parlor is situated near a controlpanel which controls the lights L1 to L6. Panel 10 has a series ofbuttons S1 to S6, which turn on and turn off the correspondigly numberedlights L1 to L6. When any of the lights are on, this fact is indicatedby the lighting of one of a series of correspondingly numbered pilotlights P1 to P6 in panel 10.

A time stamp 12, also located at the operators station, is electricallyconnected to panel 10 so that its operation is tied to that of lights L1to L6. More particularly, a given light, say light L1, can be turned ononly if the operator simultaneously turns on switch S1 and inserts intostamp 12 a numbered time card 13. Upon the conincidence of theseoperations, light L1, as well as the corresponding pilot light P1, arelit and stamp 12 prints the time on card 13. The patron can now play ontable 1, However, the remaining tables 2-6, still being dark, cannot beused. The operator then marks the appropriate table number, i.e. number1, on the card or places it in a receptacle identified by the number 1.

Now, if another patron wishes to play, the operator takes the nextnumbered time card, looks at panel 10 to see which tables are availableand follows the same procedure set forth above. Thus, he might assign apatron to table 2, in which case he would turn on switch S2 and insertthe new card into time stamp 12. Lights L2 (and P2) would be lit,enabling the second patron to play at table 2. The operator then marksthis card with the number 2 or stores it in a number 2 card receptacle.This process is repeated with the remaining tables in the billiardparlor. At any given time the operator can see easily which tables arebeing used simply by glancing at the pilot lights on panel 10.

When the patron nishes playing at table 1, he goes to the operator, whoretrieves his time card 13 and again inserts it into stamp 12. At thesame time, he turns off switch S1 on panel .10. The coincidence of theseoperations turns off lights L1, preventing further play at table 1 andalso causes the time stamp to print the ending time on card 13. Card 13now bears the beginning and ending times of that particular transactionat table 1. By subtracting these times the operator ascertains theamount of hire at table 1 and charges the patron accordingly. Thedarkened pilot light P1 also signals that table 1 is now available foruse. In the same fashion, when the patron at table 2 stops playing, thesame procedure is followed to turn off lights L2 over table 2 and stampthe appropriate ending time on that patrons card.

It is apparent that tables 1-6 are illuminated only when they areactually being used by the patrons of the establishment. Therefore, theon-times of the lights at each table give an accurate indication of therental periods of each table. Moreover, the beginning of each rentalperiod requires the marking of a numbered card. Thus, as soon as playbegins, the operator becomes accountable to the owner for the cardcorresponding to that period. I-Ie is also accountable for the moneycorresponding to the rental period bounded by the times stamped on thecard. If no end of time is stamped on the card because a player has leftthe estabishment without checking out with the operator, the owner mayhold the operator responsible for the money due. Therefore, the employeeis encouraged to guard against patrons leaving without paying and alsoto see that the stop-time is marked on each card promptly after hedetermines that play has ended at the corresponding table. l

A sampling circuit 14 in panel 10 periodically samples the circuitry oflights L1 to L6 to see which of the lights are energized. During eachsampling, for each light that is on, circuit 14 emits a pulse to a pulsecounter 16. Counter 16 then counts the number of pulses received duringeach sampling and gives a digital display of the total count. Theincrease in the count displayed `by counter 16 over a given periodrepresents the total number of illuminated table minutes for thatperiod. This gure should be proportional to the gross receipts for thatperiod, assuming that rental fees are based on an equal charge per unittime for all tables 1-6.

Thus, the cards 13 give the parlor owner a permanent, accurate record ofthe rental periods at the various tables for the day. Using these or theindication .on counter 16, he can compare the total play time with thecash receipts turned over to him by his employee to be sure that he isgetting all the money that is due him.

Referring now to FIGURE 2, control panel 10 comprises six identicalsections 10a10f, one for each of lights L1 to L6. These sections areconnected together and to time stamp 12 by means of three busses 17, 18and 19. For ease of illustration we have shown in detail only one ofthese sections, namely section 10a.

Section 10a includes a relay co-il 20 controlling a pair of normallyopen relay -contacts 20a and 20b. The cathode 22 of a diode 24 isconnected to one end of coil 20. The cathode 26 of a similar diode 28,is connected to the other end of coil 20 and also to ground via aresistor 29.

Pilot light P1 is connected directly across coil 20 and is lit Wheneverthe coil is energized.

The anodes 30 and 32 of diodes 24 and 28 are connected via normally openpushbutton switches S1 ON and S1 OFF, respectively, to buss 18. They arealso coupled by .way of isolating diodes 34 and 36, respectively, tobuss 19, diodes 34 and 36 passing forward current to the buss.

Buss 17 leads to a D.C. source in time stamp 12, illustrated here by abattery 50. Buss 18 is also connected to battery 50, but by way of anormally open switch 52 in the time stamp. Switch 52 is closed when acard 13 (FIG. 1) is inserted into the stamp. i

Relay coil 20 and pilot light P1 are energized -by battery 5,0 only whenswitches 52 and S1 ON are closed simultaneously. When energized, thecoil closes contacts 20a and 20h. The contacts 20a control the power forlights L1. The contacts 20h are holding contacts that keep the coil 20energized when the operator releases the S1 ON button or the card 13 isremoved from `stamp 12.

To turn oli the lights L1, switch 52 and switch button S1 OFF are closedsimultaneously; the voltage from battery 50 is then also applied to theend of coil 20 connected to diode 28. With both ends of the coil 20 atthe same potential, there is no longer any current flow through the coiland contacts 20a and 2011 open, shutting off lights L1. The pilot lightP1 goes oft' as Well.

Buss 19 is connected via a delay network 54 in time stamp 12 to one endof a relay coil 56 whose other end is grounded. Coil 56 operates anormally open relay contact 56a which is connected to control theactuation of time stamp 12. More particularly, contact 56a is connectedin the line between the stamps main solenoid 58 and an A C. power source60. When switch S2 is closed, together with either switch S1 ON or S1OFF, coil 56 is energized by battery 50. This closes contacts 56a andsolenoid 58 then impels a stamp plunger 62 against card 13. This pressescard 13 against a conventional clock-controlled, inked stamp 64 havingtime and date wheels which print the correct time on card 13.

The main purpose of diodes 24 and 28 in section 10a is to block currentiiow from buss 17 by way of contact 20h to buss 19. In the absence ofthese, relay coil 56 would remain energized even after switch S1 ON isopened and stamp 12 would not release card 13. In addition, diodes 24and 28 prevent the shorting out of coil 20 in the event switches S1 ONand S1 OFF are inadvertently closed simultaneously without -a card 13 instamp 12, which occurrence would shut 01T lights L1.

The diodes 34 and 36, on the other hand, prevent a signal on buss 19generated in -one section of panel 10 from closing the relay 20 inanother section.

Delay network 54 is used if stamp 12 is a usual type which automaticallyopens the card sensing switch 52 when plunger'62 strikes the card.Otherwise, it may be dispensed with. Network 54 simply delays theenergizing of coil 56 for a very short time until control panel 10 hascompleted turning the particular lights on or oi, as the case may be. Itincludes a resistor 70 connected between buss 19 and coil 56. A diode 72and series connected capacitor 74 are connected across coil 56 and aresistor 76 is connected across capacitor 74. Diode 72 is included toprevent a similar delay in the opening of contact 56a when switches 52and S1 ON or S1 OFF are opened. It does this by preventing the capacitor74 from discharging through coil 56. Another diode 80 is connecteddirectly across coil 56 to protect diode 72 from current transients.

Similar elements in sections b to 10]c are connected to busses 17, 18and 19. They control their corresponding lights L2 to L6 upon thecoincidence of the closing of switch 52 and one of switches S2 to S6 (ONor OFF) in exactly the same fashion described above.

Still referring to FIGURE 2, anode 22 of diode 24 in each section 10a to10]c lis coupled to sampling circuit 14 which periodically samples thevoltage across each coil 20. Circuit 14 comprises a circular array ofnormally open, quick-return reed switches R1 to R6. Each reed switch isconnected between the counter 16 and the correspondingly numberedsection of panel 10. A magnet 84 mounted on an arm 86 is rotated by amotor 88. The magnet is arranged to periodically close switches R1 to'R6 in sequence. For example, if motor 88 rotates at one r.p.m., eachswitch would close briefly once each minute.

If the coil in a given one of sections 10a to 10]1 is energized when thecorresponding one of switches R1 to R6 is closed, a voltage pulse iscoupled to counter 16. Otherwise, no such pulse appears at counter 16.Thus, the number of pulses emitted 'by circuit 14 each minute indicateshow many of lights L1 to L6 are on during that interval. Counter 16 is aconventional pulse counter which gives a digital indication of the totalnumber of pulses emitted by the sampling circuit. A `diode 92 isconnected across the counter to protect the reed switches fromtransients.

If, for example, tables 1-3 are illuminated, counter 16 increases itscount by three numbers per minute. Then, if tables 4-6 are alsoilluminated, the count would increase 'by six numbers per minute. Thus,over a given time the count increase corresponds to the total number ofilluminated table minutes. From this the owner can compute what theestablishments gross receipts should be for that period. This assumes anequal charge per unit time for each table in the establishment.

With the system, a patron cannot commence playing unbeknownst to theoperator. This is because all of the tables in the establishment areeither being used or are not illuminated, in which case proper play isnot prac- 'ticable Before play can begin lat a given table, the operatormust first select and stamp a time card for that table. Similarly, wheneach transaction is completed, this fact is also permanently recorded ona card. While it is possible for a person to leave the establishmentwithout paying,l the operator is encouraged to guard against this forthe reasons noted above. In any event, there is minimum likelihood ofthe wrong patron being charged for that unpaid rental. This is becausethe lights alt that table and corresponding pilot light will remain lit,so that the operator will not assign another patron to that tablewithout rst turning off the table light and then turning it on again tobegin a time card for the new patron.

Thusthe system gives the ownera permanent record of the play time ateach and all of the tables in the establishment' and discourages patronand employee dishonesty. Also, from the counter 16, the owner isapprised quickly of the expected receipts for the day. Further, byobserving the count increase on counter 16 at various times, theoperator and owner can tell immediately when during the day businessstarts to increase or slack orf. This information is useful toanticipate patron needs.

While we have described the invention with reference to the game ofbilliards, it is obvious that the same techniques can be employed tokeep a tally of the hire of the various courts in a squash or tennisclub or of the several slots in the track in a slot car parlor bytotalizing the times each slot is energized. In short, it hasapplications in any establishment where players are constantly comingand going and where it would be impractical for the operator of thebusiness to make periodic on-thespot checks of each separate game areain the establishment.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those madeapparent from the preceding description, are eliiciently attained and,since certain changes may be made in the above construction withoutdeparting from the scope of t'he invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and sought to besecured by Letters Patent is:

1. A game play tally system for indicating the elapsed time that each ofa plurality of play areas has been in use comprising (A) a plurality ofplay areas for hire, each play area having an active playing surface forthe reception of game elements thereon,

(B) an illumination source adjacent each play area and required to beenergized before play can commence in the play area, i

(C) rst time indicating means adapted to be connected in circuit witheach said source for providing an indication of the time during whicheach said source is energized,

(D) means for switching selected ones of said sources and saidindicating means into and out of active circuit relation with eachother, and

(E) second time indicating means connectable in circuit with each ofsaid sources and responsive to the energization of each of said sourcesto provide an indication of the total elapsed time during which all saidsources have been energized.

2. A game play tally system according to claim 1 in which said secondtime indicating means comprises means for periodically sampling thestate of each source to cause said second indicating means to increaseits count by a predetermined amount for each said source which isenergized during the sampling period.

3. A game play tally system according to claim 2 in which the samplingmeans comprises a driven rotary switch having a selector arm connectedto said second indicating means and having a plurality of contactelements, each Contact element being in circuit with one of said sourcesand being periodically connected with said selector arm whereby thesecond indicating means is periodically connected to each of thesources.

4. A gameplay tally system according to claim 3 in which said secondtime indicating means provides a direct digital indication of theplaying times which it monitors.

5. A game play tally system according to claim 1 which includes arecorder adapted to be connected to said first time indicating means torecord the reading thereof at selected times whereby a permanent recordof the rental due for use of a given table may be generated.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS

